TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In the wake of a powerful offshore quake, northeastern Japan remains on high alert. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate on Monday, sending tsunami waves across nearby shores and raising fresh concerns over further seismic activity. Authorities warn that a stronger follow-up earthquake cannot be ruled out.
With advisories set to remain in place until April 27 at 17:00 local time, questions are now emerging for foreign visitors. Is it safe to travel to Japan at this time? Here’s what we know so far about the unfolding situation.
What did the earthquake look like?
According to The Independent, the earthquake originated in the Pacific Ocean off the Sanriku Coast, with a relatively shallow epicenter at around 10 kilometers deep. It struck at 4:53 p.m. local time, initially recorded at a magnitude of 7.3 before being upgraded to 7.5, or equivalent to an “upper five” on Japan’s seismic intensity scale.
The impact was widespread. Strong shaking rippled across coastal areas near Iwate and was felt as far as Tokyo. In several locations, the force was intense enough to make standing difficult.
In response, towns including Otsuchi and Kamaishi moved swiftly to issue evacuation orders. Public broadcasts repeatedly urged residents to seek higher ground, reinforcing hard-learned lessons from previous disasters.
Despite the quake’s strength, the immediate aftermath has remained relatively contained. No major casualties have been reported, though authorities confirmed minor injuries and limited structural damage affecting buildings such as schools and restaurants.
Is there a tsunami warning?
The earthquake quickly prompted a tsunami warning, with waves forecast to reach up to three meters. As conditions began to stabilize, the alert was lifted later on Monday evening.
In the meantime, authorities moved swiftly across Hokkaido and coastal prefectures, including Iwate, Aomori, Miyagi, and Fukushima, ordering large-scale evacuations. According to NHK, citing the Ministry of Internal Affairs, nearly 172,000 residents were placed under evacuation directives, with more than 156,000 safely relocated across five coastal regions.
Is it safe to travel to Japan now?
Speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to remain calm and carry on with daily routines, while stressing the importance of staying ready to evacuate if needed.
As of Monday morning, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has not issued new travel advisories for Japan. According to AOL, existing guidance continues to highlight the country’s position within a major earthquake zone, advising travelers to follow local instructions and review safety information in hotels and transport hubs.
Meanwhile, transport services remain largely stable. TimeOut reports that New Chitose Airport and Sendai Airport, the closest major hubs to the affected areas, are operating as usual. Travelers are still encouraged to check directly with airlines, though flights in and out of the region continue to run on schedule.
Read: Japan Warns of Bigger Quake After 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake, Tsunami Threat
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